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Head-to-head comparison

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities vs University of St Thomas: which has better ROI?

Public, Minneapolis MN · vs · Private nonprofit, Saint Paul MN

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Minneapolis, MN

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Net price / year
$16,778
Earnings, 10 years
$69,020
Payback
3.2 yrs

Option B Saint Paul, MN

University of St Thomas

Net price / year
$29,155
Earnings, 10 years
$73,739
Payback
4.6 yrs
The verdict

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $67,112 in 3.2 years versus 4.6 years at University of St Thomas, on median earnings of $69,020 vs $73,739 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Minnesota-Twin CitiesUniversity of St Thomas
Net price / yr$16,778$29,155
Total net cost$67,112$116,620
Median earnings, 10 yrs$69,020$73,739
Median debt$19,500$23,250
Payback3.2 yrs4.6 yrs
20-year net return$346,088$390,960

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or University of St Thomas?

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, at $16,778 a year after aid versus $29,155 — a gap of $12,377 a year, or $49,508 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or University of St Thomas graduates earn more?

University of St Thomas graduates report a median $73,739 ten years after entry, $4,719 more than the $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or University of St Thomas?

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $23,250 at University of St Thomas, a difference of $3,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

85% of students finish at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, against 76% at University of St Thomas. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities vs University of St Thomas: frequently asked questions

Is University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or University of St Thomas a better value?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. It clears its $67,112 net cost in about 3.2 years versus 4.6 years at University of St Thomas, on median earnings of $69,020 vs $73,739 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or University of St Thomas?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities: $16,778/yr net price after aid versus $29,155/yr at University of St Thomas — a difference of $12,377 a year, or about $49,508 over four years.
Do University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or University of St Thomas graduates earn more?
University of St Thomas graduates earn a median $73,739 ten years after entry, versus $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities — a $4,719 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.